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IRS Invites Citizens to Join Advocacy Panel

The IRS is inviting citizens who want to help improve the nation's tax agency to join the national Taxpayer Advocacy Panel.

Panelists will do things like identify taxpayer issues, raise issues about their experiences with the IRS and make recommendations to the IRS on customer service issues.

The group, which delivers an annual report (pdf) to the agency, provides a forum for citizens from each state to make suggestions regarding IRS decisions with the goal for improving the agency's service and customer satisfaction.

Each panel member serves on one of seven geographically based "area committees" and on an issue committee. A panelist is allowed to provide feedback on issues relating to several IRS units, including the Small Business/Self-Employed Operating Division.

To qualify as a panelist, applicants must be U.S. citizens and be able to offer 300 to 500 hours during the year to the panel. In addition, they must pass a criminal background check and be up-to-date with their taxes, according to the IRS.

The deadline to apply is April 30 and applications are available online at www.improveirs.org or by calling 888-912-1227 to request a paper application form.